Which Toys (tubes) to Buy?

[jonw9]

So, I am finally getting back into boating, and actually have a place on a lake now. After dumping loads of cash on a boat (loan) and dock/lift setup (Credit cards) I need to start outfitting for fun.

I know I will need to get a tube, or more than one. I was thinking about starting with a 2-person disc. That would seem to be a good size. I had a single donut in the past and sitting in the nylon bottom wasn't fun. I also had a 2 seat chariot (front and back, not side-by-side) with my last boat, it was OK but not great.
We borrowed a friends Super Mabel once also, and that was like pulling a queen mattress and not exciting at all.

Then I was thinking if I needed more room for riders, I could add another tube down the road.
Should I start with a 3-person, one person...? I know it really varies but I don't want to spend another grand trying things out.

I am on the fence right now between something simple like the Orange Slice
http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog/Two_Rider_Tubes/Airhead_Orange_Slice_Towable_Tube_TY02654

or the Costco Delta 3 and it's fantastic warranty
http://www.costco.com/HO-Sports-Delta-3-Towable-.product.100111592.html

I will have ages ranging from Adults 30+ to kids around 10.
I guess I am not asking what specific model to buy, more like what gets the most use. Is a 3-seater fun for 1 person? Do you prefer only a couple riders out at a time? That type of thing.
Thoughts? Am I missing something?

 

[Zarrella]

I would think the Costco Delta 3 would be a better choice for the kids plus a great warranty!

 

[Julian]

I have 4 tubes......and depending on the ages of the kids is how I decide what goes out with us. From smallest to largest:

1. Single person Aero disc tube....its a serious workout and only tough teenage boys tackle it
2. 2 Person Aero double loop (internally is shaped like a figure 8). My nine year old likes this one the most....has good bounce (is thick) and moves fast.
3. 3 Person Airhead sit in tube. Great for little kids as they sit inside it. Perfect for any age. But I hate it as there are 4 chambers to inflate.
4. 4 Person Bandwagon 2+2 - this is like a small boat!!!! I have to go 21.5 mph in order to get this swinging from wake to wake...each means older kids only for fun. It is HUGE, and takes up the whole dock when I inflate it, and must be towed behind. The kids do enjoy it and I had it out this weekend. But be warned....IT IS HUGE! (did I mention its huge?)

Some pics:

Bandwagon:

2 Person Aero:

3 Person Airhead tame sit in tube for younger kids:

@Stacey in SC
This is Stacey's tube and the kids had a blast on it....

 

[Julian]

And one more to give a better size perspective on the Bandwagon 2+2

 

[Boat Crazy]

If you plan on taking children, I would recommend at least a two seater. The kids feel better going out in pairs or more normally. Me personally, I get the most enjoyment out of a one seater, Something triangular in shape. One you have to rap your legs around to stay on when the wifey gets throttle crazy.

 

[OCMD]

My old LS and the tubes, all of which we continue to ride in the 230. I would avoid the Hot Dog style tubes - unstable as hell, and if you haul butt on it and fall you will break something........ as "someone" suffered at 4.06 in the video!